Jaclynn Loibl

Couples Counseling: Part 1

“Do you want to tell her?” The conversation was swift, a slight tilt of the head followed by a mirrored response, “Not really. Do you?” A couple sat in my office, five years overdue for this pivotal discussion. I sat across from them, acutely aware that they’d reached the crux of their relationship. Until thatContinue reading “Couples Counseling: Part 1”

The Walk: A Poem

I rummage through layers of tablecloths and sheets, guarding the oak and redwood furniture. Beyond the piano, its keys now silent, I step into the open space. The ground, adorned with stray branches, tugs at my ankles until I stumble. I hop forward, seeking stability, and catch myself with a nearby tree trunk. After freeingContinue reading “The Walk: A Poem”

Back Off Bandits

I heard my client utter these words before, but this week, her lamentations carried a different weight. “I’m close to fifty, in an overpriced house, now three times divorced, with a cat,” she sighed. I decided to repeat them back to her. In response, she offered a weary nod, as if accepting the undeniable truthContinue reading “Back Off Bandits”

How I Found My Vibe: A Day in the Life of a Therapist

It’s been quite a whirlwind of a day. I’ve made the decision to charge a higher rate for couples counseling, and it’s heartening to see people returning. While I can’t say I’m surprised, I’m taking this as a milestone and a testament to my growing comfort and confidence in my practice. As for my outfitContinue reading “How I Found My Vibe: A Day in the Life of a Therapist”

Thought Rinse

As I enjoy my morning cup of coffee – a single shot of espresso from the Breville, a splash of scalding hot water, and a generous dollop of heavy whipping cream – I ponder the day ahead, which is wide open with countless opportunities waiting to be seized. I shift the Volt into low gearContinue reading “Thought Rinse”

First Day of My Life

I don’t trust the voice in my head, it’s a shifty salesperson. Buy a 0.00% APR with 0 down Peloton Treadmill. How about a $50 foundation for your old lady, blotchy skin? My mind feels heavy and leadened, and it’s a sensation I prefer to escape. To zone out to funny and interesting videos wouldContinue reading “First Day of My Life”

Red Rovering Ideas

The mouse running on the hamster wheel has finally come to a halt making it feel like my inner voice has gone AWOL. All I hear now is the rhythmic purring of a literal cricket and the occasional barking of a dog. That’s the extent of it. Well, except for the mind game I keepContinue reading “Red Rovering Ideas”

Channeling Memories

With a red-dinged wheelbarrow at my side, I diligently rake and shovel moss, weeds, and fist-sized rocks into it. The option of using toxic chemicals to clear the area isn’t even on the table, as my pet ducks happily waddle around and snack there. I rhythmically scrape the rake’s teeth back and forth, uprooting tinyContinue reading “Channeling Memories”

Do the Puyallup!

Red-faced, with dirt and chocolate-smeared cheeks, she couldn’t walk anymore. She rode on Dave’s shoulders as we made our way to the car, all the while complaining, “Please, more rides.” Then, just two minutes before she completely zonked out, she asked, “Can we go to the playground?” What a day it was! We conquered theContinue reading “Do the Puyallup!”

The Holy Snail Grail

To find ways to encourage self-care, I’ve created a spreadsheet to keep tabs on my work life, including the number of sessions, hunger pangs, and administrative tasks. One noteworthy observation is a hunger issue that struck at 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and its pains were with me until I sat down for dinnerContinue reading “The Holy Snail Grail”